Youngstars: High Tunstall's rugby youngsters win Durham Championship

High Tunstall College of Science's rugby youngsters are celebrating after winning the Durham Championship.

The Key Stage 4 boys claimed the county title in a three-way contest with Durham Johstone and St Thomas More.

The team’s achievement was praised by Tunstall’s Sports Science Faculty leader, Ben Holden.

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Mr Holden said: “I could mention a positive for each player.

“They were all terrific, individually, collectively and as a team.

“They did their college proud and they did themselves proud.”

Tunstall kicked off against Durham Johnston looking to lay down a marker, but a tense opening saw both teams size each other up and score.

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Fine defence from both sides kept the scores level until finally Durham Johnston’s resistance was broken three times in quick succession. Tunstall ran out 22-10 winners.

Durham Johnston then lost narrowly to St Thomas More, meaning that the winner of the final game would be champions.

Tunstall began the game on top but couldn’t convert their opportunities and went 7-0 behind after a breakaway try from the opposition’s impressive number 8.

Heading into the last ten minutes of the game, the boys kept their composure and gained yards by building phases well into St Thomas More’s half.

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The pivotal moment came when Adam Hutchinson decided that he was going to find a gap and that he was going to get through that gap. Running at speeds unknown to 95% of prop forwards Adam cut the defensive line in two and scored under the posts. Cameron converted to tie the game.

Going into the final three minutes, the game looked destined to end in a draw until great forward play from Simpson et al. was halted five metres out.

Great skill under pressure and good decision making got the ball four men out from the breakdown and it was the irrepressible Muir who bulldozed his way over the line. Cue the celebrations!

Cameron slotted over to make it 14-7 and a short time later the final whistle was blown.

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Mr Holden added: “A special memory created for the students with each player contributing in the previous round and in today’s final.

“So many boys held their hands up for special praise. Berba was relentless and hit the opposition 10 more times than I can recall.

“Cameron distributed effectively and intelligently. Lindridge stepped inside and outside defenders, tying them in knots.

“Ridley got through copious amounts of work, often ending up in the 13 channel

“Emerson, deputising at 13, was immense and looked so comfortable. Briggs and Pattinson looked accomplished all afternoon.”